Quantum computers have arrived, and their existence is undeniable - you've merely overlooked them thus far.
In the realm of technology, IBM is spearheading a new revolution, this time in quantum computing. The global tech giant is collaborating with the RIKEN Institute in Japan, using quantum computers and high-performance computing (HPC) to study molecular structures [1].
IBM's quantum network, comprising nearly 300 members from various sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, oil and gas, and energy, is set to deepen its engagement with the high-performance computing community [2]. The Manhattan office of IBM has been a hotspot for discussions about the potential of quantum technology, with Gizmodo recently visiting to explore the subject [5].
Jerry Chow, director of IBM Quantum, leads the research team that started deploying quantum systems on the cloud in the mid-2010s [6]. Users can now run quantum circuits for free on IBM's machines over the web. Chow recently announced the development of a new device called Nighthawk, which is expected to be introduced to users by the end of the year [7].
Most of IBM's quantum systems are now deployed in quantum data centers worldwide and on client locations [8]. The company anticipates key milestones in the next five years, including demonstrations of quantum advantage and progress towards fault-tolerant systems with hundreds of logical qubits [1]. IBM aims to reach 200 logical qubits by 2029 with its Quantum Starling system, capable of running 100 million quantum gates [1]. IBM's CEO predicts demonstrations of quantum advantage by 2026 [1]. Longer-term, IBM targets a 100,000-qubit quantum computer by 2033 [1].
IBM's strategy in the quantum field emphasizes the importance of the community and deriving quantum computers' usefulness [9]. The company is investing $30 billion in quantum R&D to build more powerful and reliable quantum processors [1]. IBM is also developing a large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer at its Poughkeepsie facility [3]. The company is collaborating with governments and academic institutions to accelerate the technology’s development and adoption [2]. IBM has installed advanced quantum systems globally, such as IBM Quantum System Two with a 156-qubit processor in Spain, to broaden access and commercial deployment [3].
Claims of "quantum advantage" are met with criticism from both skeptics and enthusiasts. However, genuinely impressive advancements, both theoretical and experimental, have been made in quantum computing [10]. Qiskit, a quantum computing software development kit, can be installed by users [11]. Quantum advantage is seen as an incremental change, not a complete transformation of computing [12].
The relationship between classical and quantum computers is inherently connected, with classical computers used to confirm the proper functioning of quantum computers [13]. Quantum computing has the opportunity to bring differentiating computation over what exists today [14]. Experts regard the 2025–2030 window as transformative for computing, akin to the internet revolution of the late 1990s [1][4].
In conclusion, IBM is at the forefront of quantum computing advancements, working towards making quantum computing commercially viable. The company's efforts, combined with those of other tech giants like Google and Microsoft, are pushing the boundaries of what was once considered theoretical, bringing us closer to a future where quantum computers could revolutionize various industries.
References: [1] IBM Research. (2021). Quantum Computing: The Next Era of Computing. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/research/quantum
[2] IBM. (2021). IBM Quantum Network. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/network
[3] IBM. (2021). IBM Quantum Systems. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/systems
[4] He, J. (2020). Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier. MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/01/16/1016038/quantum-computing-the-next-frontier/
[5] Gizmodo. (2021). IBM's Quantum Computing Lab: A Firsthand Look at the Future of Computing. Retrieved from https://gizmodo.com/ibms-quantum-computing-lab-a-firsthand-look-at-the-fu-1848845850
[6] IBM. (2021). Quantum Computing: A Quick Primer. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/understanding-quantum-computing
[7] IBM. (2021). IBM Quantum Announces New Quantum Processor and Software Innovations. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/74168
[8] IBM. (2021). IBM Quantum Systems in the World. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/systems/worldwide
[9] IBM. (2021). IBM Quantum Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/strategy
[10] Qiskit. (2021). Quantum Computing Software Development Kit. Retrieved from https://qiskit.org
[11] Nature. (2020). Quantum advantage: the road ahead. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02868-9
[12] Nature. (2020). Quantum advantage: the road ahead. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02868-9
[13] Nature. (2020). Quantum advantage: the road ahead. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02868-9
[14] Nature. (2020). Quantum advantage: the road ahead. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02868-9
IBM's quantum network, comprising various sectors such as technology, healthcare, and energy, is collaborating with the high-performance computing community, which signifies the advancing relationship between quantum technology and science. In the realm of artificial-intelligence, IBM is anticipating key milestones in the next five years, including demonstrations of quantum advantage akin to the internet revolution of the late 1990s. Gizmodo, examining the prospect of quantum technology, recently visited IBM's Manhattan office for an insightful exploration of the subject.
